Expert Tampa Bay Inshore Fishing Charters

Tampa Bay's Best: 6-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip

Get ready for a killer day on Tampa Bay! Captain Tony Frankland's extended half-day trip is the real deal for anglers looking to score some of Florida's top inshore species. Whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned pro, this 6-hour adventure gives you plenty of time to dial in your technique and put some serious fish in the boat. We're talking redfish, sea trout, and snook - the inshore slam that keeps fishermen coming back to Tampa year after year. And who knows? You might even tangle with a silver king tarpon if luck's on your side. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the flats for some world-class fishing action!

What to Expect on the Water

When you step aboard Capt. Tony's skiff, you're in for a treat. This isn't some cookie-cutter charter - it's a hands-on fishing clinic with one of Tampa's top guides. We'll cruise the Bay's rich ecosystem of grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and oyster bars, using our local knowledge to put you on the fish. Expect to throw artificial lures, live bait, or whatever's working that day. The beauty of inshore fishing is how up-close and personal it gets - you'll be sight-casting to tailing reds, working topwater lures for explosive snook strikes, and finessing soft plastics for those wily sea trout. And with a max of two anglers, you'll have plenty of elbow room and one-on-one instruction to dial in your skills.

Techniques That Put Fish in the Boat

On this trip, we're not just fishing - we're learning the ins and outs of Tampa Bay's inshore game. We'll cover everything from reading the water and finding fish-holding structure to perfecting your cast and setting the hook. Depending on conditions, we might be poling silently across skinny water flats, drifting live bait along deeper channels, or working jigs around dock pilings. You'll get hands-on experience with top-notch gear, including light spinning tackle and fly gear for those who want to try their hand at the long rod. By the end of the day, you'll have a solid grasp of the techniques that consistently put fish in the boat - skills you can take with you long after your trip ends.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the bulldogs of the flats. Known for their powerful runs and distinctive tail spots, redfish love to cruise shallow water in search of crabs and baitfish. We target them year-round, but fall is prime time when schools of bull reds invade the Bay. Nothing beats the sight of a red's tail waving in the air as it roots for food - it's heart-pounding action when you drop a well-placed cast in front of one.

Sea Trout: Also called speckled trout, these wily predators are a blast on light tackle. They've got soft mouths, so finesse is key, but their acrobatic jumps and head-shaking runs make for an exciting fight. We find them over grass flats and around deeper potholes, often in good numbers. The bigger gator trout are prized catches, and they make for some fantastic eating if you're looking to take a few home for dinner.

Snook: If there's a rock star of Tampa Bay inshore fishing, it's the snook. These sleek, powerful game fish are ambush predators that love to hang around structure. Their explosive strikes and blistering runs will test your drag and your nerves. We target them around mangrove shorelines, dock pilings, and passes, using everything from live bait to topwater plugs. Landing a big snook is a true achievement - they're as smart as they are strong.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, Tampa Bay is a world-class inshore fishery, and this extended half-day trip with Capt. Tony Frankland is your ticket to experiencing the best of it. Whether you're chasing that inshore slam, looking to learn new techniques, or just want to spend a awesome day on the water, this trip delivers. With only two spots available per trip, these charters fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So don't wait - lock in your date now and get ready for some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer. Trust me, once you feel that first snook explode on your topwater or watch a tailing redfish inhale your perfectly placed cast, you'll be hooked for life. Book now and let's make some fishing memories!